System and method for improved updating and annunciation of traffic enforcement camera information in a vehicle using a broadcast content delivery service

ABSTRACT

An enhanced broadcast data service with reports locations of traffic enforcement camera locations (e.g., red light cameras and speed cameras) to users. Traffic enforcement camera information is aggregated, verified (e.g., particularly as to traffic enforcement camera type) and stored (e.g., at a server). A broadcast signal comprising program channels and at least one data channel having traffic enforcement camera information is transmitted to a plurality of receivers. Receivers store at least a subset of the traffic enforcement camera information available from the server and synchronize to it using periodic transmitted updates. Receivers compare receiver location data with stored camera location data, and display or generate audible alerts when the receiver is within a selected geographic range of a traffic enforcement camera. Alerts can be filtered as to camera type. A alerts can employ different color camera icons superimposed on a screen map depending on camera type or whether the camera is newly added.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser.No. 61/292,358, filed Jan. 5, 2010, the entire contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system and method for an enhanceddata service for a Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) thatprovides over the air (OTA) delivery of aggregated and verified speedcamera and red light camera location data, along with location data ofother types of traffic enforcement cameras. More particularly, thepresent invention relates to a system and method utilizing a SDARSsystem for broadcasting the camera location data to vehicles. Thein-vehicle SDARS device and optionally a Vehicle Navigation (VNAV)service provide travelers with timely and precise camera location data.The enhanced data service can optionally facilitate the aggregation ofspeed camera, red light camera and other camera location data to providetimely camera location updates.

Description of the Related Art

A number of commercial databases exist which aggregate data relating tothe locations of red light and speed cameras within a given geographicarea. For example, camera location information can be obtained fromprivate commercial services, police and emergency services, andvoluntary user reports. A number of Global Positioning System(GPS)-based speed and red light camera detection systems exist whichsuperimpose these aggregated locations of red light cameras and speedcameras with other location data on digital maps provided viafactory-installed or after-market vehicle navigation systems, or otherGPS devices such as handheld or portable devices with navigationsystems.

As with digital maps, the camera location data provided to users byconventional GPS-based speed and red light camera detection systems isgenerally updated by having users download updated camera location datato their GPS-devices via the internet. In other words, users mustconnect their GPS-devices to a personal computer or otherwise access theinternet to download updated camera location data to their GPS-devicesfrom a web site of a camera location content service provider for a fee(e.g., a monthly or other periodic subscription fee for a selectednumber of camera location database accesses, a selected fee forunlimited accesses, or a per-access fee).

A significant number of vehicles have a Satellite Digital Audio RadioService (SDARS) radio for receiving audio content broadcast via a SDARSsystem. Some Global Positioning System (GPS) vendors offer GPS-basedvehicle navigation data through satellite radio add-on devices. Forexample, a satellite radio can be provided which displays audioprogramming information from the SDARS, as well as display GPS data fora vehicle using maps downloaded from a GPS vendor or other full mapdatabase source.

Presently, no more than about 20% of newly manufactured vehicles includea navigation system such as a typical GPS navigation system having afull map database and routing capabilities. The remaining newlymanufactured vehicles are non-navigation systems that may have, at most,static maps but no full map database or routing capabilities.

Thus, the majority of newly manufactured vehicles and existing vehiclesmay be categorized as non-navigation systems since they have nonavigation system as described above. Some of these vehicles can becategorized as a screen-based non-navigation system because they have acenter console display (e.g., a display with 3.5″ diagonal measurementor larger display). Such a display or screen can be used forinformational purposes including SDARS infotainment services.Non-navigation system vehicles that have no such display or screen shallbe categorized as screenless non-navigation systems for discussionpurposes herein.

A need exists for improving vehicle position data with automatic andtimely updated traffic enforcement camera location data (e.g., locationdata for speed cameras and other types of speed-related or trafficenforcement cameras) using an SDARS device and regardless of whether thevehicle is categorized as a navigation system or a non-navigationsystem. For example, a need exists for SDARS users to receive audioprogramming, as well as periodically updated traffic enforcement cameralocation data, using SDARS broadcast content and therefore withouthaving to connect to the internet to obtain updated camera location datafrom a service provider.

Systems exist that permit users to report locations of traffic cameras.For example, Nokia's Trapster application for mobile phones providescommunity-enabled or crowd-sourced traffic camera reporting. In otherwords, commuters can download the application to their mobile phones andthen use the application to report locations of traffic cameras of whichthey become aware to the service provider. Commuters can also use theapplication to determine the locations of traffic cameras that have beenpreviously reported to the service provider by other commuters alongtheir travel routes. A significant disadvantage of crowd-sourced trafficcamera location data is that the data is not subject to quality checks.Commuters frequently cannot distinguish between traffic congestioncameras (i.e., cameras that only provide a live video feed of trafficcongestion conditions) and traffic enforcement cameras (e.g., speedcameras, red light cameras, and other speed-related cameras), let alonedistinguish between different types of traffic enforcement cameras.Thus, the reporting of traffic congestion cameras with no trafficenforcement monitoring capabilities dilutes the community-enabledtraffic camera database, making the service less effective (e.g.,subject to more false alarms regarding speed traps). A need thereforeexists for a traffic enforcement camera location update service thatemploys aggregated and comprehensive traffic enforcement camera datathat is subject to quality checks such as verification of camera-typeand functionality for accuracy using data available from law enforcementagencies, municipalities and traffic enforcement camera manufacturersand vendors. A need also exists for a traffic enforcement cameralocation update service that distinguishes among different-types oftraffic enforcement cameras in its database information and enablessubscribers to customize the traffic enforcement camera data that theyreceive. For example, a need exists for a traffic enforcement cameralocation update service that enables a subscriber to inhibit generationof warnings for certain types of traffic cameras (e.g., to generatewarnings for speed cameras but not red light cameras, or to generatedifferent warnings for respective types of traffic enforcement camerassuch as different display colors or different audible warnings todistinguish among the different types of traffic enforcement camerasthat the subscriber may encounter).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention address at least theabove problems and/or disadvantages and provide at least the advantagesdescribed below. Accordingly, illustrative embodiments of the presentinvention provide a new data service (e.g., a subscription-based dataservice) to enhance SDARS or other broadcast service that providetraffic enforcement camera location data to vehicles viasatellite/terrestrial networks and an existing broadcast service stream.

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatusand method for obtaining updated traffic enforcement camera locationinformation from a vendor or data supplier and providing it into anSDARS broadcast signal for reception by SDARS receivers in vehicles. Anin-vehicle traffic enforcement camera location service device operatesin conjunction with the SDARS receiver to obtain updated trafficenforcement camera location information demultiplexed from a datachannel in the SDARS broadcast signal while the SDARS receiver providesusers with SDARS programming, and to store the updated trafficenforcement camera location information.

The updated traffic enforcement camera location information is verifiedfor accuracy (e.g., reviewed and subject to quality assurance usingcorroborative information obtained from law enforcement agencies andmunicipalities that install and/or use traffic enforcement camera andtraffic enforcement camera manufacturers and vendors). As described inmore detail below, the updated traffic enforcement camera locationinformation is stored in a database by the broadcaster and in a memoryof the in-vehicle traffic enforcement camera location service device.The updated traffic enforcement camera location information comprisesvarious fields of information to provide detailed information about thecameras in the database (e.g., location, type of camera, related speed,direction, and so on) to enable the in-vehicle traffic enforcementcamera location service device to distinguish between the differenttypes of traffic enforcement cameras and alert subscribers accordingly.It is to be understood that traffic enforcement cameras aredistinguished from traffic cameras which merely provide live video feedsof traffic congestion conditions and which have no traffic enforcementmonitoring capability (e.g., cannot detect if approaching vehicle hasexcessive speed or entered an intersection on red light). The updatedtraffic enforcement camera location information is verified to allow foromission of traffic camera data from the database that merely provides alive video feeds and no traffic enforcement monitoring capability.

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatusand method for comparing a present Global Positioning System (GPS)position or other position data of the vehicle with traffic enforcementcamera location information received from the SDARS system and stored atthe vehicle, and annunciating a warning signal to vehicle operator if atraffic enforcement camera is located within a selected proximity of thepresent vehicle position. The warning signal can be an audio signal or avisual display on a screen in the vehicle indicating to the vehicleoperator the type of traffic enforcement camera that the vehicle isapproaching and optionally the recommended action the vehicle operatorshould take.

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatusand method for comparing a present vehicle speed with a stored speedlimit corresponding to the present position of the vehicle, andannunciating a warning signal to vehicle operator if the present vehiclespeed exceeds the stored speed limit by a selected amount. The warningsignal can be an audio signal or a visual display on a screen in thevehicle indicating that the vehicle operator needs to reduce the currentvehicle speed.

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention provide the locationsof high accident frequency areas. High accident locations are often usedto determine the locations of future red light cameras and/or speedcameras. Consumers with an aftermarket car navigation system or othermeans for obtaining vehicle position data and an SDARS device will beable to take advantage of the enhanced data service.

Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings,discloses illustrative embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certainembodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a satellite and/or terrestrial broadcast system (e.g.SDARS) configured to provide an improved traffic enforcement camera dataservice according to an illustrative embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a user device comprising SDARS and trafficenforcement camera location data service components according to anillustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is flowchart illustrating traffic enforcement camera locationinformation processing by a user device according to an illustrativeembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4 and 5 depict red light camera and speed camera locationsdisplayed on a vehicle display screen according to illustrativeembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C depict stored data attributes corresponding totraffic enforcement camera locations according to an illustrativeembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts a vehicle screenless head unit for operation inconnection with an SDARS receiver for a non-navigation systemapplication illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 depicts an illustrative location for which traffic enforcementcamera location information is stored in databases according to anillustrative embodiment of the present invention.

Throughout the drawings, the same drawing reference numerals will beunderstood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The matters exemplified in the description such as a detailedconstruction and elements are provided to assist in a comprehensiveunderstanding of the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, those ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes andmodifications of the embodiments described herein can be made withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention. Also, descriptionsof well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity andconciseness.

Contemporary vehicles can be provided with various types of equipmentthat allow for communication/interaction with various services andsystems that may be controlled or otherwise used by vehicle operators.Examples of some services available to vehicle operators include aSatellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) that provides radioprogramming to listeners and Vehicle Communications, Navigation andTracking (VCNT) services that provide various features such astelecommunications, remote vehicle function monitoring/controlling,vehicle position tracking and navigation. Sirius XM Radio Inc. is anexample of an SDARS system. Some VCNT services provide solely vehicleposition determination and navigation services (i.e., hereinafterreferred to as vehicle navigation systems or VNAV systems), while otherVCNT services also include one-way communications service for receivingtraffic event information for use by a VNAV system. Further, OnStarCorporation's telematics service provided in General Motors vehicles isan example of another VCNT service that provides detection of collisionsor other vehicle malfunctions and two-way telecommunications with ahuman responder, as well as vehicle position determination andnavigation.

In accordance with illustrative embodiments of the present invention,the broadcast capability of an SDARS system is leveraged to provide anadditional data service to SDARS users. It is to be understood, however,that the present invention can be implemented using broadcast servicesand systems other than SDARS. As described in more detail below, anSDARS broadcast is provided with periodically updated trafficenforcement camera location information that is received by SDARSreceivers in vehicles and annunciated to vehicle operators via thevehicle audio system and/or a display. To use this additional dataservice, a vehicle preferably comprises at least an SDARS receiver andcomponents needed to obtain vehicle position information (e.g., thevehicle has a GPS receiver for determining the vehicle location or adevice or interface for receiving vehicle position information fromanother source) in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of thepresent invention. Thus, a SDARS provider or other provider of broadcastservices can broadcast the traffic enforcement camera locations andother data (e.g., speed limits of selected roadways in selectedcoordinates of the system coverage area, and high frequency accidentlocations) over an existing broadcast service link (e.g., in one or moredata channels of a Sirius XM Radio Inc. composite data stream providingSDARS and data services).

As described in more detail below, an in-vehicle device that implementsan enhanced data service in accordance with an illustrative embodimentof the present invention receives the broadcast stream via Sirius XMRadio Inc.'s satellite/terrestrial networks, and demultiplexes datachannel(s) therefrom to provide red light camera locations, photo radar(e.g., speed) camera locations, and/or other traffic enforcement cameradata to the vehicle operator via a display and/or an audio signal (e.g.,via the vehicle audio system). Consumers with an Original EquipmentManufacturer (OEM) or aftermarket car navigation system or other vehiclepositioning device, and a data-capable SDARS tuner (e.g., a Sirius XMRadio Inc. tuner or compatible tuner), are therefore able use theenhanced data service in accordance with an illustrative embodiment ofthe present invention.

An enhanced data service in accordance with an illustrative embodimentof the present invention operates with different types of trafficenforcement cameras and other traffic monitoring devices. For example,illustrative embodiments of the present invention can employ informationrelating to any of the following: a speed camera (e.g., a speed camerathat continuously monitors passing vehicle speed and is triggered by anyvehicle entering a monitored area above a preset minimum speed); a redlight camera (e.g., a red light camera that continuously monitorstraffic signals and is triggered by any vehicle entering theintersection following a specified time after the signal has turnedred); a speed on green (e.g., a speed on green camera that continuouslymonitors traffic signals and is triggered by any vehicle entering theintersection above a preset minimum speed); a camera or other device formonitoring a high accident frequency location (e.g., a place where roadtraffic accidents have historically been concentrated); a device forautomatic license plate recognition (ALPR); average speed cameras (e.g.,cameras that can determine an average speed of a vehicle along a sectionof roadway); point-to-point speed cameras (e.g., cameras that monitor avehicle's speed between two selected points that can sometimes be as farapart as 30 miles), among other devices. As new camera types areintroduced, an enhanced data service provider (e.g., Sirius XM RadioInc.) can collaborate with OEMs to deploy new camera icons types andcamera attribute fields. Cameras can be deployed that are used toenforce other laws. For example, congestion zone cameras can be includedin the over-the-air (OTA) database at an enhanced data service providerthat facilitate the charging of commuter fees to drivers when they enterthe center of major cities. ALPR cameras can be deployed to check if avehicle has insurance, and cameras can be used to enforce cell phone uselaws and seatbelt laws. It is to be understood that the foregoing listis not exhaustive and that information from other types of devices canbe provided to the system 10 in accordance with an illustrativeembodiments of the present invention.

The enhanced data service can be implemented in vehicles in which OEMshave provided navigation systems (e.g., systems that display points ofinterest such as gas stations, restaurants, and the like). Screen-basednon-navigation systems, screenless non-navigation systems andaftermarket navigation systems that are compatible with SDARS or otherbroadcast data service (e.g., a Sirius XM Radio Inc. data service) canalso be used to implement the enhanced data service in accordance withillustrative embodiments of the present invention. The satellite radioreceiver preferably decodes both audio programming and data such astraffic enforcement camera location data simultaneously to allow foruser enjoyment of infotainment content provided in the receivedbroadcast stream, as well as timely updates to traffic enforcementcamera location data and other data associated with the enhanced dataservice.

The enhanced data service, that is, the traffic enforcement cameralocation service is preferably delivered via over-the-air (OTA) systemsand offers the current positions of speed cameras, red light cameras,speed on green cameras and high frequency accident locations, amongother locations or cameras of interest. Unlike online and mobile speedtrap services commercially available today, the traffic enforcementcamera location service of illustrative embodiments of the presentinvention does not rely on user-generated content for camera locationinformation. Instead, a location database is used that is preferablylicensed from a commercial content provider, for example, which managesupdates and monitors data quality as described above. The trafficenforcement camera location service is implemented, by way of anexample, using a combination of an on-board or in-vehicle database thatis periodically updated using OTA signal updates or other means totransmit traffic enforcement camera location updates to the in-vehicledevices 42 described below in connection with FIG. 2. Due to the longlead times generally associated with traffic enforcement camerainstallations, the enhanced data service or traffic enforcement cameralocation service implemented in accordance with illustrative embodimentsof the present invention is generally more static in the nature of itsdata when compared to the data provided via fuel price or trafficcongestion data services (e.g., services that provide live video feed oftraffic congestion conditions due to rush hours or lane closures forroad construction).

The illustrative embodiments of the present invention are advantageousover existing services that advise vehicle operators of red light cameraand speed camera locations for a number of reasons including, but notlimited to, providing automated as well as more up to date trafficenforcement camera location to vehicle operators. The trafficenforcement camera location information is provided to the SDARS uplinkfrom a reliable and robust source 22 (FIG. 1) as described below. Morespecifically, the content is not generated by users of the service, forexample, but rather by a content provider selected for data accuracy andcoverage. In addition, the SDARS system or other broadcast systemenhanced with traffic enforcement camera service can be deliveredthrough multiple channels provided via satellite radio or satellite DABor SDARS, High Definition (HD) radio, mobile communications networks,paging networks, internet, and/or MSN® Direct, Frequency Modulation (FM)with Radio Data System (RDS), Amplitude Modulation (AM) In-BandOn-Channel (IBOC), Frequency Modulation (FM) In-Band On-Channel (IBOC),terrestrial Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB), Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM),and Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting-for Terrestrial SoundBroadcasting (ISDB-TSB), among other channels or data transmissionoptions.

With reference to FIG. 1, a SDARS system 10 for providing an enhanceddata service with traffic enforcement camera location information isdepicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the presentinvention. The system 10 comprises vehicles 12 equipped with one or moredevices for delivering both SDARS and vehicle position data service tothe vehicle occupant(s) to provide improved traffic enforcement camerainformation reporting. The locations of traffic enforcement cameras 14and other traffic monitoring devices are provided to a camera locationdatabase 22. Locations of traffic congestion cameras with no trafficenforcement monitoring capability are preferably excluded from thedatabase 22 to avoid dilution of its information and to enhance itsaccuracy.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a vehicle 12 constructed in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment of the present invention is providedwith equipment for use with both a SDARS system or other broadcastsystem and a vehicle position service system. The vehicle 12 can beprovided with a SDARS receiver 32 that is operable to receive andplayback selected channels from a SDARS broadcast signal 46 via theaudio system of the vehicle (e.g., a FM tuner and speaker system 33provided in the vehicle that is interfaced with the SDARS receiver 32 toreceive an output therefrom). The SDARS broadcast signal 46 is broadcastvia a satellite 20 and/or terrestrial transmitters 21, and is providedto the satellite and/or terrestrial transmitter via an uplink 46 from anSDARS broadcast station 18. Illustrative examples of SDARS systems,devices and signal formats are disclosed in co-owned U.S. Pat. Nos.7,454,166, 7,263,329, 7,180,917, 6,834,156, 6,564,003, 6,493,546 and6,272,328, which are all incorporated herein by reference. In accordancewith an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the SDARSbroadcast station 18 is provided with traffic enforcement cameralocation information from the database 22 (e.g., from a commercialcontent provider as described above). As described in more detail below,the SDARS broadcast station 18 receives periodic updates of trafficenforcement camera location information and other data from the database22 and transmits it on data channels in the broadcast stream 46.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, a GPS ground station 17 andsatellite constellation 16 comprising satellites 16 ₁, . . . , 16 _(n)are illustrated for providing vehicle positioning information tovehicles 12. It is to be understood that other systems and methods forproviding vehicles 12 with position data can be used (e.g., aterrestrial-based positioning system). As stated above, the enhanceddata service can be implemented in vehicles in which OEMs have providednavigation systems (e.g., systems that display points of interest suchas gas stations, restaurants, and the like). In addition, screen-basednon-navigation systems, screenless non-navigation systems andaftermarket navigation systems that are compatible with SDARS or otherbroadcast data service (e.g., a Sirius XM Radio Inc. data service) canalso be used to implement the enhanced data service in accordance withillustrative embodiments of the present invention. An optional digitalmap database 24 is shown in FIG. 1 for providing digital maps tovehicles equipped to receive and display them (e.g., vehicles 12categorized above as navigation systems).

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle 12 furthercomprises a traffic enforcement camera location (TCL) data servicedevice 42 that comprises a GPS device or vehicle positioning device, oran interface to a separate GPS device or vehicle positioning device, todetermine the current location of the vehicle, and optionally its speed.Alternatively, the traffic enforcement camera location (TCL) dataservice device 42 comprises a user input interface that allows a user toidentify a future route, or several vehicle locations along a proposedroute, to enable the user to identify speed traps and other trafficenforcement areas employing cameras prior to departure.

The TCL data service device 42 has an interface 48 to the SDARS receiver32 for receiving location information pertaining to red light cameras,speed cameras, and other cameras or traffic enforcement monitoringdevices. This location information has been demultiplexed from areceived SDARS broadcast signal 46 by the SDARS receiver 32. The TCLdata service device 42 can optionally have a display 43 (e.g., FIGS. 5and 6) for displaying digital maps, along with traffic enforcementcamera information, that have been demultiplexed from a received SDARSbroadcast signal 46 and are related to the current location of thevehicle (e.g., the locations of red light cameras, speed cameras orother traffic enforcement cameras within a selected area proximal to thecurrent location of the vehicle are shown on the display 43).Alternatively, the display on the vehicle audio system 33 (e.g., radiodisplay 44) can also be used, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Alternatively,or in addition to the display 43 or radio display 44, audible messagesregarding the locations of red light cameras, speed cameras or othertraffic enforcement cameras within a selected area that is proximate tothe current location of the vehicle, or vehicle speed, or recommendedspeed adjustments needed relative to a proximate speed camera, can begenerated via the TCL data service device 42 and annunciated via theSDARS receiver 32 and the vehicle audio system 33 (e.g., an FM radiocomprising an FM tuner 45 and display 44, and speakers 47).Alternatively, the display 43 can be used to display digital maps, alongwith traffic enforcement camera information that have been demultiplexedfrom a received SDARS broadcast signal 46 and stored in the TCL dataservice device 42 that are related to a proposed location of the vehicle(e.g., the locations of red light cameras, speed cameras or othertraffic enforcement cameras within a selected area proximal to thelocations of the vehicle along a proposed route). This illustrativeembodiment may be particularly useful for an in-home SDARS receiver orother Internet-enabled device that allows the supplier data fromdatabase 22 to be used for in-home applications such as trip planningand route selection.

With further reference to FIG. 2, the TCL data service device 42comprises a controller (not shown) and a memory (not shown) and isprogrammed to process and store into the memory at least some or all ofthe traffic enforcement camera location information that was receivedvia the interface 48. The memory can be integral to the TCL data servicedevice 42 or a separate component connected to the TCL data servicedevice 42. The memory preferably comprises data such as a trafficenforcement camera location data table(s) comprising location codes oridentifiers and corresponding position data characterizing trafficenforcement cameras 14 in the system 10 as described in more detailbelow in connection with FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C. The TCL data servicedevice 42 has a GPS or other vehicle positioning device, or at leastinput for receiving positioning data from a separate GPS or othervehicle positioning device. The memory can also store current vehiclespeed and the positioning data.

It is to be understood that the vehicle SDARS receiver 32 and TCL dataservice device 42 depicted in FIG. 2 or their corresponding componentscan be integrated, separate from each other, or have some commoncomponents. Further, it is to be understood that the enhanced SDARS dataservice system 10 can comprise other components than those depicted inFIG. 1 such as alternative or supplemental communication links toprovide SDARS and vehicle positioning data to vehicles 12.

As stated above and in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of thepresent invention, the SDARS broadcast station 18 transmits a broadcastsignal 46 comprising digital radio programming and ancillary data whichcan comprise red light camera and speed camera location information andother information relating to roadways. The SDARS broadcast station 18modifies the SDARS broadcast signal 46 to update the traffic enforcementcamera location information for the monitored roadways in the system 10.It is to be understood that red light camera, speed camera and othertraffic enforcement device location information can be included in anSDARS broadcast signal 46 a number of different ways. For example, theSDARS broadcast signal 46 can include traffic enforcement cameralocation information as ancillary data transmitted with the digitalradio programming in one or more of the plural channels of a compositedata stream that constitutes a broadcast signal 46. Alternatively, thetraffic enforcement camera location information can be provided on adedicated auxiliary data channel.

Operation of the in-vehicle devices to implement the enhanced dataservice in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the presentinvention will now be described with reference to FIG. 3. As indicatedin step 100, a traffic enforcement camera location system 10 comprisesan SDARS system for transmitting, in addition to audio programming,camera location information to vehicles 12. An SDARS receiver 32 in thevehicle 12 demultiplexes traffic enforcement camera location informationfrom a received SDARS signal and provides it to an in-vehicle TCL dataservice device 42, which uses the demultiplexed camera locationinformation to update traffic enforcement camera location informationcurrently stored in a memory in the vehicle 12.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, the in-vehicle TCL data servicedevice 42 compares a present position of the vehicle 12 (e.g., currentGPS data) with stored traffic enforcement camera location information(step 104). Alternatively, the TCL data service device 42 uses auser-inputted route or vehicle positions for the comparison with storedtraffic enforcement camera location information in step 104. Forexample, coordinates indicating a current vehicle position can becompared to coordinates stored in the memory of the TCL data servicedevice 42 to represent the locations of cameras and other trafficmonitoring devices. If the present or user-inputted vehicle position isproximal to the location(s) of camera(s) stored at the TCL data servicedevice 42 (step 106), then the location(s) of the proximal camera(s) areannunciated to the vehicle operator (e.g., displayed on a screen in thevehicle or provided as an audible message by the vehicle audio system),as indicated by step 108. The proximal camera(s) can be those camera(s)that have coordinates within a selected geographical range of thecurrent or user-inputted vehicle position. The range can be preset,dynamic (e.g., change depending on whether the vehicle is in an urbanarea or rural area), specified by the manufacturer of the TCL dataservice device 42, and/or user selected in accordance with illustrativeembodiments of the present invention.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, the in-vehicle TCL data servicedevice 42 compares the current speed of the vehicle 12 (e.g., determinedusing changes in position indicated current GPS data, or received viathe vehicle processor the controls the speedometer and other engineoperations) with stored speed camera information (step 110). Forexample, a current vehicle speed can be compared to the speedscorresponding to speed camera locations and stored in the memory of theTCL data service device 42. If the present vehicle speed is outside arange of speeds associated with respective speeds of speed camerasproximal to the current vehicle position (step 112) or other storedspeed data, then warnings(s) and/or location(s) of the proximal speedcamera(s) are annunciated to the vehicle operator (e.g., displayed on ascreen in the vehicle or provided as an audible message by the vehicleaudio system), as indicated by step 114. The proximal speed camera(s)can be those camera(s) that have coordinates within a selectedgeographical range of the current vehicle position. The speed ranges canbe preset, dynamic (e.g., change depending on whether the vehicle is inan urban area or rural area), specified by the manufacturer of the TCLdata service device 42, and/or user selected in accordance withillustrative embodiments of the present invention. The audible messagecan include a general warning that the driver is approaching a speedmonitored area of roadway and/or a recommendation to reduce speed.

It is to be understood that the processes described in connection withFIG. 3 can also include other comparisons of current or user-inputtedvehicle data with other traffic enforcement data stored in the memory ofthe TCL data service device 42 such as data relating to average speedcameras, and point-to-point speed camera, high accident frequencylocations, and so on.

FIGS. 4 and 5 depict, respectively, how red light camera and speedcamera locations and a speed on green camera location, for example, canbe displayed on a vehicle navigation screen 120 or 126 on, for example,a display 43 according to an illustrative embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative screen 120 on a screen-basednon-navigation device. FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative screen 126 on anavigation device. As described below, FIG. 7 depicts illustrative dataprovided on the display 43 of a screenless non-navigation device. Thecamera location data is coded on a digital map using icons (e.g., icons122 and 124 in FIG. 4) to indicate the respective camera locations andtypes. Red light camera locations, photo radar (speed) camera locationsand high accident frequency locations from various sources and othertraffic enforcement monitoring devices are preferably aggregated by oneor more traffic data suppliers or content providers and stored in adatabase accessible via their server. As explained above, the trafficenforcement camera data is preferably verified for quality assurance. Adata server associated with the SDARS uplink 18 or broadcast serviceprogramming center polls the supplier's server periodically (e.g., every5 minutes or longer) to update the data that is made available to theTCL data service devices 42 in vehicles. The data is then transmittedover satellite and terrestrial repeater networks (e.g., via thebroadcast stream 46) for device 42 reception. FIG. 7 depicts anillustrative embodiment of a screenless non-navigation system head unit128. The display 43 of the head unit 128 comprises basic informationand/or a message regarding a proximate traffic enforcement cameralocation such as “Alert ! Approaching Speed on Green Camera.”

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C depict examples of data attributes 130 for storedtraffic enforcement camera locations according to an illustrativeembodiment of the present invention. For example, the memory at theuplink 18 that is used to generate the broadcast data channel comprisingupdated traffic enforcement camera location data and the memory at eachof the TCL data service devices 42 in vehicles 12 can be synchronized toinclude, for each stored traffic enforcement camera location 132, atraffic enforcement camera type identifier 134, position coordinates136, among other attributes such as names of street intersections orgeographic locations 138, date of last modification 140, and so on. Thememory at each of the TCL data service devices 42 in vehicles 12 mayinclude all or only a subset of the camera information available fromthe uplink 18 memory.

More specifically, and by way of an example, databases provided in thememories at the uplink 18 and at each of the TCL data service devices 42in vehicles 12 can comprise a location identifier (ID) 134 for eachlocation of a traffic enforcement camera, and information about the typeof location 142 (e.g., red light camera, speed camera, high frequencyaccident, and so on). The databases can comprise location referenceinformation such as the latitude and longitude coordinates 136 (e.g.,decimal degrees) for each location. Directional information 144 can alsobe included in the databases to indicate which directions of approach tothe location are covered by an alert (e.g., at a junction of at leasttwo roads, the directional information indicates which road(s) at thejunction are covered by a particular traffic enforcement camera).Additional information such as the speed limit 146 for a given locationand street name(s) are also preferably stored in the databases at theuplink 18 and in the vehicles 12.

In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention,a region in which a location belongs can be identified, as well assub-location data (e.g., number of sub-locations and identifiers forrespective sub-locations at a location), in the databases at the uplink18 and in the vehicles 12. Sub-locations (e.g., sub-locations 0, 1, 2and 3) can be assigned to locations such that each direction of approachwith alert type at a location has a corresponding sub-location, asillustrated in FIG. 8. In other words, all locations have at least onesub-location. A four-way stop light that has red light cameraenforcement on all four lights therefore has four sub-locations, whereasa four-way stop light that has red light camera enforcement on just twoof the lights has only two sub-locations. A sub-location can include aspeed limit value among the stored database information if a speed limitenforcement device is in effect. Each sub-location can have a directionof approach field in the databases to indicate the direction of travel(e.g., in degrees) when approaching the location.

In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention,the location identifiers are assigned using a hierarchical coding schemeto allow reduction in bandwidth required to broadcast updates to thein-vehicle traffic enforcement camera information databases andtherefore permit faster update cycles without sacrificing accuracy. Forexample, locations of traffic enforcement cameras are generallycorrelated and located in dense clusters at both a large scale (e.g., incities) and a small scale (e.g., intersections). Thus, regions aredefined that each have a selected number of sub-regions, which each havea selected number divisions that, in turn, each have a selected numberof locations. Codes can be provided for respective ones of the regions,sub-regions, divisions and locations such that, when locations share oneor more of the hierarchical classes (e.g., regions, sub-regions,divisions and locations), the corresponding codes for those sharedclasses do not need to be transmitted in the location identifier, whichcan be a variable length field) in the updating messages provided in thebroadcast stream 46.

Different formats can be used for the broadcast update messages in thebroadcast steam 46. In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of thepresent invention, the updates are formatted as data packets on anauxiliary data channel in a broadcast stream 46. The packets comprise anumber of fields, one of which can be a synchronization data field. TheSDARS receiver 32, for example, can be configured to reconstruct thereceived broadcast signal to account for losses therein due toobstructions or drop outs in the broadcast signal. Signaling errors of alonger duration in the broadcast signal can result in the loss of thereceived signal stream and therefore the loss of synchronization withdata packets provided in the signal stream for the enhanced dataservice. The synchronization data field allows a receiver 32 toreestablish synchronization with the data packets by searching thereceived data stream for the synchronization data field and determiningif it is the beginning of the next data packet (e.g., by confirming avalid checksum follows it). If so, the receiver 32 is able toresynchronize on the beginning of the next data packet. Thus, the valuefor the synchronization data field can be provided anywhere within adata packet.

The uplink 18 and the content provider/supplier of the trafficenforcement camera location database 22 can mutually agree to a datafeed update frequency from the database 22 to the uplink 18. Sincetraffic enforcement cameras can take several months to be approved andinstalled, it may not be necessary to employ an update frequency of lessthan 24 hours. For example, Sirius XM Radio's data server can poll thetraffic data supplier's server every 24 hours to update the trafficenforcement camera locations that are provided to its OTA database bythe broadcast service programming center and uplink 18. Updatedinformation can be identified using change logs having dates and versioncontrol, or by comparing new data against existing data, among othermethods. Sirius XM Radio then transmits the updated information over itssatellite and terrestrial repeater networks (e.g., via broadcast signal46) for device 32 reception. The camera locations can therefore bedisplayed to the vehicle operator within 90 seconds of a power cycle.For service optimization, the data from the service provider can bestored in the OTA database using two carousels, that is, one carouselfor camera additions and the other carousel for camera removals. Theupdates from the carousel for camera additions can then be prioritizedfor inclusion in the data channels in the broadcast stream 46. A vehicleoperator is less likely to object to a false positive than to a falsenegative (i.e., failure to provide an indication of the presence of aproximal traffic enforcement camera). In any event, camera additions andremovals from the in-vehicle database information are preferably managedthrough OTA updates. The updates can include the introduction of newcamera locations or modifications to the information stored regardingexisting locations. Some traffic enforcement camera locations are sodynamic that it is not feasible to include their updates in a broadcastupdate. Such locations can instead be sent via a broadcast carousel(e.g., a broadcast carousel comprising long term and short term updatecarousels). In this instance, the broadcast carousel can be dedicated toupdated camera locations.

Further, the uplink 18 and SDARS programming facility that generate thebroadcast stream 46 can determine a frequency by which the broadcastdata channel is changed to reflect updates in camera locations receivedfrom the supplier. For example, over the air updates of the OTA databaseemployed by the programming center and uplink 18 can be provided tovehicle operators at 15 minute intervals via the broadcast stream 46.Also, a vehicle SDARS receiver 32 operating in conjunction with a TCLdata service device 42 can be programmed to demultiplex the receivedbroadcast channel and update the local memory comprising camera locationdata with the demultiplexed information at a selected frequency. It isrecommended that the receiver 32 store a baseline of the camera locationdatabase to minimize service startup latency. After startup, thereceiver 32 monitors the data channel(s) in the received broadcaststream 46 for any updates to its local camera location database. OEMdevices 42 can be configured to permit the in-vehicle database to becontinuously appended with new camera locations any time the vehicle isuse. TCL data service devices 42 can also be configured to enable usercontrols and settings to filter, for example, the types of cameras toinclude or exclude from warnings generated, as described above, for thatparticular user.

Applications using OEM or Aftermarket Devices, or Internet-enableddevices allow the supplier data from database 22 to be used for bothin-vehicle scenarios and in-home scenarios. For example, OEM embeddedin-vehicle navigational or non-navigation systems can be used whereby abroadcast service provider such as Sirius XM Radio Inc. enters into aservice Agreement with an automotive OEM to install systems in cars atan automotive OEM factory that are typically integrated into the vehicledashboard and electronics. Aftermarket radios can also be used when noservice agreement exists with an automotive OEM. For example,aftermarket radios can include, but are not limited to, portablenavigational systems (PNS) that can be sold at retail, SDARS aftermarketdevices, and systems that are sold and installed by car dealerships andthe like. Aftermarket radios can be integrated into the vehicleelectronics or components or not. In addition, Internet-enabled devicescan allow the traffic enforcement camera location data available fromthe database 22 and the uplink 18 to be made available over the Internet(e.g., on a password protected basis). For example, Internet subscribersto the SDARS data services such as Sirius-XM Radio's SafeDrive dataservice can access the data, as well as Sirius-XM Radio's Internet Radiosubscribers.

Based on the data attributes available for each camera, a visual and/oraudible alert can be generated when a customer's vehicle 12 is inproximity of a camera 14. In cases where the vehicle 12 is approaching acamera that is pointed away from the vehicle, an OEM device 42 can beconfigured to withhold visual or audible alerts.

As new camera locations are introduced, it can be helpful to thecustomer or vehicle operator to be able to differentiate a new additionto the in-vehicle database. New cameras, i.e., installed as recently aswithin the past 3 months, could be identified by the TCL data servicedevice 42 using a unique icon or color on the vehicle display, forexample. After a period of time mutually agreed to by the SDARS serviceprovider and an OEM, for example, the TCL data service device 42 isconfigured to revert the new camera(s) to the same coding scheme as thelegacy cameras in the in-vehicle database.

The present invention can be embodied as computer-readable codes on acomputer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recordingmedium is any data storage device that can store data which canthereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of thecomputer-readable recording medium include, but are not limited to,read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), CD-ROMs, magnetictapes, floppy disks, and optical data storage devices. Thecomputer-readable recording medium can also be distributed overnetwork-coupled computer systems so that the computer-readable code isstored and executed in a distributed fashion. Carrier waves (such asdata transmission through the Internet via wired or wirelesstransmission paths) could also be an example of a computer-readablerecording medium. Functional programs, codes, and code segments foraccomplishing the present invention can be easily construed as withinthe scope of the invention by programmers skilled in the art to whichthe present invention pertains.

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention differ from currentpractices in a number of ways and offer many advantages. First, thecontent is not generated by users of the service, but by a supplier orcontent provider selected for data accuracy and coverage. This isadvantageous since user-generated content can be prone to errors in bothlocation and time. Secondly, the service can be delivered throughmultiple channels, including, but not limited to, satellite radio, HDradio, cell phone, or MSN Direct. Further, more frequent updates toin-vehicle databases for traffic enforcement camera location informationare made possible due to the integration of updated information into thedata channel(s) of an existing audio programming broadcast stream thatis transmitted OTA to receivers programmed to continuously demultiplexthe audio and data channels (preferably simultaneously) in the receivedstream.

In addition, SDARS currently provides travel advisories for severalcities or traffic markets. Photo radar and other traffic enforcementcameras are located in a majority of these traffic markets; however,there will likely be more camera location markets than traffic markets.Thus, SDARS data services allow for greater market expansion to leveragethe use of SDARS for additional services and revenue from an SDARSsystem.

A backlink can be provided in the system 10 to permit user reporting ofcamera location data such as mobile unit photo radar camera. Referenceis made to related U.S. application Ser. No. 12/098,085, filed on Apr.4, 2008, the subject matter of said application being herebyincorporated herein by reference, with regard to an illustrativebacklink.

While certain illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shownand described herein with reference to certain preferred embodimentsthereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variouschanges in form and details may be made therein without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claimsand their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of providing traffic enforcement cameralocation data to a receiver comprising the steps of: receiving abroadcast signal comprising a plurality of program channels and at leastone data channel that has been transmitted to a plurality of receivers,the receiver corresponding to one of the plurality of receivers that areeach configured to receive the broadcast signal and demultiplex at leastone selected program channel and the data channel therefrom, the datachannel comprising traffic enforcement camera data that is periodicallyupdated and is from a content provider that verifies the trafficenforcement camera data, the traffic enforcement camera data comprisingat least camera location data and identification data indicating thetype of camera selected from a plurality of different types of trafficenforcement cameras; storing in a memory device of the receiver at leasta subset of the traffic enforcement camera data corresponding to aplurality of traffic enforcement cameras; demultiplexing the datachannel from the received broadcast signal; updating the trafficenforcement camera data stored in the memory device when thedemultiplexed data channel comprises at least one of traffic enforcementcamera data for a new traffic enforcement camera, data indicatingdeletion of the stored traffic enforcement camera data for an identifiedtraffic enforcement camera, and data indicating edits to the storedtraffic enforcement camera data for an identified traffic enforcementcamera; obtaining position data corresponding to the location of thereceiver; comparing the position data of the receiver with the cameralocation data stored in the memory device; and annunciating selectedtraffic enforcement camera data from the memory device that correspondsto one or more traffic enforcement cameras located within a selectedgeographic range of the receiver.
 2. A method as claimed in claim 1,further comprising demultiplexing at least one of the program channelsfor playback to a user simultaneously with the annunciating.
 3. A methodas claimed in claim 1, further comprising dynamically varying theselected geographic range based on at least one of the position of thereceiver, a user input, and designation of a region in which thereceiver is located as urban or rural.
 4. A method as claimed in claim1, wherein the position data corresponds to a plurality of receiverpositions along a selected route, the annunciating comprisingannunciated the traffic enforcement camera data from the memory devicethat corresponds to one or more traffic enforcement cameras locatedwithin a selected geographic range of the receiver at various ones ofthe receiver positions along the selected route.
 5. A method as claimedin claim 1, wherein the stored traffic enforcement camera data comprisessub-location data for at least one corresponding camera, thesub-location data indicating different traffic enforcement conditionsdepending on the direction of approach of a receiver to that cameralocation, the annunciating comprising generating an alert that variesdepending on the direction of approach of the receiver to a cameralocation.
 6. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receiver isconnected to a user interface, and further comprising filtering theannunciating based on user inputs via the user interface such that thetraffic enforcement camera data of only selected types of the one ormore traffic enforcement cameras located within a selected geographicrange of the receiver is annunciated.
 7. A method as claimed in claim 1,wherein the receiver is connected to a vehicle radio having a displayfor displaying currently tuned radio station information, theannunciating comprising displaying alphanumeric informationcorresponding to the selected traffic enforcement camera data as on thevehicle radio display.
 8. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein thereceiver is connected to a positioning device having a display fordisplaying a geographic map, the annunciating comprising displaying theselected traffic enforcement camera data superimposed on the geographicmap.
 9. A method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the superimposed trafficenforcement camera data comprises icons for each of the one or moretraffic enforcement cameras located within a selected geographic rangeof the receiver.
 10. A method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the iconscan be displayed in different colors for each of the respective types oftraffic enforcement cameras.
 11. A method as claimed in claim 9, whereinthe icons can be displayed in a different color if they correspond to atraffic enforcement camera that has been added within a selected periodof time.
 12. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receiver isconnected to a vehicle audio system comprising speakers, and theannunciating comprises generating audio messages to advise a receiveruser when the vehicle is approaching one of the one or more trafficenforcement cameras located within a selected geographic range of thereceiver.
 13. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the one ormore traffic enforcement cameras located within a selected geographicrange of the receiver is a speed camera and the corresponding trafficenforcement camera data stored in the memory device comprises anenforced speed limit, the annunciating further comprises generating anaudio message to advise the receiver user of the enforced speed limit.14. A method as claimed in claim 13, further comprising comparing thecurrent speed of the vehicle with the enforced speed limit and onlygenerating the audio message regarding the enforced speed limit when thecurrent vehicle speed is exceeding the enforced speed limit by aselected range of speeds.
 15. A broadcast system providing an enhanceddata service for traffic enforcement camera location reporting, thebroadcast system being configured to transmit a Satellite Digital AudioRadio Service (SDARS) broadcast stream comprising a plurality of audioprogramming channels and at least one data channel comprising trafficenforcement camera location information indicating the locations of atleast speed cameras, comprising: an in-vehicle system comprising aprocessing device, a memory device and a broadcast receiver, thebroadcast receiver being configured to receive the SDARS broadcaststream and demultiplex the data channel therefrom to obtain the trafficenforcement camera location information, the processing device beingconfigured to store at least a subset of the demultiplexed trafficenforcement camera location information in an in-vehicle database in thememory device and to annunciate information relating to selected trafficenforcement camera locations retrieved from the in-vehicle databaseusing a vehicle user interface system comprising at least one of atuner, a display and at least one speaker provided in a vehicle, theannunciated information comprising at least one of an audible alert viathe speaker and a visual alert via the display of the location of at atraffic enforcement camera within a selected geographic range of thevehicle.
 16. A broadcast system as claimed in claim 15, wherein thebroadcast system further comprises a server configured to receive andstore periodic updates to the traffic enforcement camera locationinformation from a content provider that aggregates traffic enforcementcamera location information for traffic enforcement cameras deployed ina selected coverage area, the periodic updates stored in the serverbeing verified to correspond to speed-related or other types of trafficenforcement cameras, the broadcast system being configured toperiodically transmit the periodic updates on the data channel of thebroadcast stream.
 17. A broadcast system as claimed in claim 15, whereinthe traffic enforcement camera location information comprises at leastcamera location data and identification data indicating the type ofcamera selected from a plurality of different types of trafficenforcement cameras, and the processing device is configured to filterthe annunciated information based on type of traffic enforcement camera.18. A broadcast system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the in-vehiclesystem comprises a user interface connected to the processing device,the processing device being configured to annunciate the trafficenforcement camera location information of only selected types of theone or more traffic enforcement cameras located within the selectedgeographic range based on user inputs via the user interface.